Supporters team prepare for second season

Last updated : 29 June 2009 By Kev Robinson
Finishing just 7 points outside the playoffs despite playing 3 less than the maximum 20, we have received plaudits from many rival teams after becoming a somewhat surprise package in our first full season in the IFA Supporters League.

Most teams take several years to challenge for the top 6 and Steve Cowell, manager of 2008/09 champions Preston, has gone on record several times to say how we are far ahead of his team at this point in their development.

We begin our pre-season campaign next weekend by making our second appearance at the National Football Museum Tournament in Preston. Last year injuries and absence hit the squad meaning we could only just field 11, yet we still managed to finish as runners up of the plate competition on the day. Our goalkeeper and captain Will O'Neill played upfront for most of the day- those familiar with him will understand how that gave us a bit of a morale boost after a disappointing opening two games.

It is set to be another cracking day out, we have been drawn in Group C along with Preston's B team, Crewe and Kidderminster. It runs between 10am and 5pm at Vernons Playing Fields in Preston if any locals want to call along at any time during the day.

Following that we have our first appearance at the prestigious WorldNet in Leeds. Teams from across the world take place in the 2-day event, with recent entries coming from countries such as France, Ireland and Nigeria. The majorities of the entries are from the IFA supporters teams from throughout England and Scotland. The tournament features the 64 team IFA Cup and Plate competition alongside the IFA Veteran's Bowl event. The weekend also features the IFA England vs Scotland International and then the Final of the IFA Challenge Cup.

We also have a charity friendly against a team of Northern Ireland supporters to come before the league season kicks off in early August.

We will as always be supporting youth development with regular donations to help Martin Dobson and his team bring through the future stars of Burnley FC. And we can proudly call ourselves a Premier League supporters team this season.

Thanks everyone for your support throughout last season.